Anyone who thinks we should get involved in Middle East conflicts should read this simplified overview of Shia–Sunni relations (Wikipedia)
From what I can parse out:
Sunni = Wahhabis(Salafiyya), ethnic groups = Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen, military/political groups = Muslim Brotherhood/Al-Qaeda/Taliban/Ansar al-Islam/Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad/Jeish al-Taiifa al-Mansoura/Jeish Muhammad/Black Banner Organization
Shia = Alawites/Fivers/Twelvers, military/political group = Hizbullah/Iranian Qods Force (their special ops)/Mahdi Army (Muqtada al Sadr's group)/League of the Righteous/The Promised Day Brigade
[Note: Baathists = Baath Arab Socialist Party, founded in 1947 by Michel Aflaq (a Christian), Salah al-Din al-Bitar (a Sunni muslim) and the followers of Zaki al-Arsuzi (a Shia Alawite).]
Sunni majority states:
- Saudi Arabia (birthplace of Islam, under Sharia law, but 15% are Shia)
- Pakistan (80% Sunni)
- Jordan (95% Sunni)
- Afghanistan (90-95% Sunni)
- Syria (approximately 3/4 Sunni, but 15% are Shia Baathist rulers)
- Yemen (54% Sunni)
Shia majority states:
- Iran (92% Shia)
- Iraq (65% Shia, but 32% are Shia who were Baathist rulers)
- Lebanon (Hizbullah)
- Iraq (65% Shia, but 32% are Sunni who were Baathist rulers)
To understand Muslims, one must know what’s in the Koran and this book will provide that knowledge:
The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran
An audio copy can be found at:
http://www.tantor.com/home-consumer.asp